Concert Review: Pennywise (2016)

One infatuation I had in high school was MTV2. They’d show energetic rock music videos with creative editing techniques that fascinated me enough to venture out of my shell and attend the real life equivalents. Some bands needed to hide behind fast-paced editing or close-ups. Pennywise didn’t have the most energetic live performance of the year, though the rowdy Friday night bar scene reminded me of those visceral music videos of the early 2000s, by bands like A Perfect Circle, Linkin Park, and System of a Down.

Unwritten Law
A week after the show and I could not tell you a single thing about their performance. Not bad. I just don’t typically reward lukewarm efforts.
Swag? No.
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ [2/5]

Strung Out
One of the more energetic shows I’ve seen this year. The audience was really engaged, and while I certainly do appreciate tenacious effort, none of their music really had any melodic hooks to lure you in. I just think a couple more choruses could really help.
Swag? Might have got an inexpensive CD or shirt if it weren’t for the lines.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ [3/5]

Pennywise
I took the photograph during the communally engaging “Bro Hymn.” Reviewing the photographs in the days after the show reminded me of the aesthetics of those early 2000s music videos. After playing their album About Time in its entity, they played hits and covers, including Nirvana’s “Territorial Pissings” which enticed the audience more this time than when I saw them a few years ago and yet their uninspired take still doesn’t bring anything new. I would see them again if they were on the same bill as another band I might also be interested in seeing or if I wanted to go to a decent punk show.
Swag? Same as above because I’m not pound foolish.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ [3/5]

My big goal is writing. My most important goal is writing "The Story." All other goals should work toward that central goal. My proudest moment is the most recent time I overcame some fear, which should have been today. I'm a better zombie than I was yesterday. I'm not better than you and you're not better than me. Let's strive to be better every day.